Worthwhile to Restore Sporterized No4 MK1/2

[Sheppsan]

Just saw a No4 Mk1/2 (originally a No4 Mk1 Maltby) for sale in a local gun shop for $190. Would appreciate any opinions as to whether it would be worthwhile returning it to mil-spec? What is there looks like it is in decent shape.

Thanks, Shepp

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

It really depends on the degree of sporterisation! If the barrel has been chopped, all of the fore-end hardware missing, body drilled for a tele sight, backsight ears missing etc etc........
More info needed for a half decent opinion

[Sheppsan]

Mr. Laidler, the barrel has not been chopped and the foresight protector is still in place The action has not been drilled or changed that I can detect. Both upper hand guards are missing and the forestock has been cut halfway down the barrel. Rear sight is Mk1 as would be expected. I can get an arsenal refinished forestock from Numrich for about $30 and both hand guards for about the same. Appreciate you opinion. Also would like you to know how useful your posts have been.

Cheers, Shepp

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

MPO is while often not a good decision $ wise but it can be a very fun project if you are at all handy. Mr. L and others have posted very detailed wood fitment instructions etc... here that make it a very rewarding project for anyone with basic skills and desire.
My desportering of a No 1 was one of the best learning experinces I have had in gaining knowlege if the SMLE and appreciation for the design and the craftsman who built and maintained them.

[Maxwell Smart]

Beware of the "arsenal refinished" forestocks. You might be lucky and get a half-decent one. (I didn't)

I bought three of these because they were so cheap; found out WHY they were selling for so little.

All were very dry; made from an unknown timber that resembled neither walnut or beech. The inletting was shocking - one of them would not even go close to fitting any of my Mk2 actions. The rear of the stock where the patching was done to modify from Mk1 to Mk 2 standard was very poorly done on two of them.

[JerryEAL]

MPO is while often not a good decision $ wise but it can be a very fun project if you are at all handy. Mr. L and others have posted very detailed wood fitment instructions etc... here that make it a very rewarding project for anyone with basic skills and desire.
My desportering of a No 1 was one of the best learning experinces I have had in gaining knowlege if the SMLE and appreciation for the design and the craftsman who built and maintained them.

Agreed! Pulling the trigger and hearing bang from something that was just a barrel and a receiver...worth every penny.

[ssj]

What is stamped on the left side of the receiver and wrist?

In the USA I think you can get good no4 mk2s complete as issued for very reasonable money. If the metalwork really is in good nick, has a full barrel (5 groove?) and that includes the rifling in the barrel and you are prepared or want a fun project because you like doing that sort of thing (like me) then yes go for it. I have seen some lovely restoration projects on here, something of a challenge.

Parts via online stores and ebay seem quite plentiful and reasonable money in the USA. I would aim for a stock that isnt "reconditioned" if you can.

I would try and talk the price down though.

;]

regards

[Sheppsan]

What is stamped on the left side of the receiver and wrist?

In the USA I think you can get good no4 mk2s complete as issued for very reasonable money. If the metalwork really is in good nick, has a full barrel (5 groove?) and that includes the rifling in the barrel and you are prepared or want a fun project because you like doing that sort of thing (like me) then yes go for it. I have seen some lovely restoration projects on here, something of a challenge.

Parts via online stores and ebay seem quite plentiful and reasonable money in the USA. I would aim for a stock that isnt "reconditioned" if you can.

I would try and talk the price down though.

;]

regards

From the serial number the rifle was originally a 1941 Maltby. Afraid I do not remember the FTR date at Fazakerly.